Young Warriors fire blanks

HARARE - The Young Warriors’ hopes of reaching the quarter-finals of the PPC Cosafa Under-20 Championships suffered a major blow following yesterday’s 0-0 draw against Malawi at the Moruleng Stadium in South Africa.

Having already lost 5-1 to Zambia in their opening match of Group B on Wednesday, it is now a tall order for Mandla Mpofu’s side.

Zimbabwe must now hope that Malawi lose by four or more goals to finish second in the three-team group.

Yesterday, just like in the defeat to Zambia, Young Warriors goalkeeper Nelson Chadya had a busy morning.

The Ngezi Platinum Stars keeper was called into early when he made a save in the early minutes.

The Young Flames 14-year-old Frank Chizuze found space in the box but hesitated to shoot first time in the 11th minute.

Malawi were enjoying more of the possession in the first half but they were failing to create good chances to breach Chadya’s goal.

In the second period, the Young Flames continued to dominate the Young Warriors with Chadya called into action on a number of occasions to rescue his side.

Sprouting Soccer Academy forward Clive Rupiya could have given Zimbabwe the lead against the run of play in the 70th minute but he shot straight at Malawi keeper Christopher Mikuwa.

Malawi were denied what looked like a clear penalty when Young Warriors defender Bukhosi Ncube brought down Young Flames winger Mike Mkwate in the box, but the referee waved play-on.

Malawi now need to avoid a heavy defeat to Zambia tomorrow and they will finish in second place on the log ahead of Zimbabwe on goal difference.

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